Written By Ailith
Jan. 9, 2017, 12:11 p.m.(8/13/1005 AR)
Such bleak times. If anyone is in need of council, and cannot reach someone they know personally, my door is open to all and sundry. The Gods do not turn their backs on us. The Gods will come back and help us all.
Written By Aldwin
Jan. 9, 2017, 7:46 a.m.(8/12/1005 AR)
The Metallic Order: Iron
"Iron Guard, to me! With iron we'll cast the demons screaming back to the hell that spawned them! With our blood we purchase victory for Arx and the Compact! Iron and blood, now and forever! WE RIDE!"
Those are the last recorded words of Iron as found in the Hall of Heroes. It is not much to go on, considering the heroics of this man inspired the formation of Arx's Iron Guard. As Arx reels from the betrayal of Everard Telmar, I think it is important for everyone to remember how the Iron Guard was founded, and perhaps draw some inspiration from the man that gave the institution both its name and its motto.
Iron was a mage and knight of the Platinum Empire's Metallic Order. When the Reckoning came, he and the others arrived to defend Arx from the perils of the day. Iron was a stern man, and one might assume that his chosen name for that order aligned with his personality. Iron was the military leader of the Order, formulating their battle plans and coordinating the defense of our beloved city. It is said he was a fatherly figure to the younger members of the Order, with a kind heart.
It is interesting that Iron is not depicted as wielding magic in our statue of him as some of the others were said to. This is because Iron was, first and foremost, a warrior and a general. He rode his horse into battle at the front lines, calling out his orders to his men and women from the front. He clashed with the enemy from the front, inspiring those around him to keep fighting and follow his example. Iron was a juggernaut on the battlefield, and few who saw him ever wrote of anything else.
Iron's death during the Reckoning, as he charged into the horde that surrounded the city, is what bought Arx its victory in that war.
Iron and Blood, now and forever.
Iron and Blood.
"Iron Guard, to me! With iron we'll cast the demons screaming back to the hell that spawned them! With our blood we purchase victory for Arx and the Compact! Iron and blood, now and forever! WE RIDE!"
Those are the last recorded words of Iron as found in the Hall of Heroes. It is not much to go on, considering the heroics of this man inspired the formation of Arx's Iron Guard. As Arx reels from the betrayal of Everard Telmar, I think it is important for everyone to remember how the Iron Guard was founded, and perhaps draw some inspiration from the man that gave the institution both its name and its motto.
Iron was a mage and knight of the Platinum Empire's Metallic Order. When the Reckoning came, he and the others arrived to defend Arx from the perils of the day. Iron was a stern man, and one might assume that his chosen name for that order aligned with his personality. Iron was the military leader of the Order, formulating their battle plans and coordinating the defense of our beloved city. It is said he was a fatherly figure to the younger members of the Order, with a kind heart.
It is interesting that Iron is not depicted as wielding magic in our statue of him as some of the others were said to. This is because Iron was, first and foremost, a warrior and a general. He rode his horse into battle at the front lines, calling out his orders to his men and women from the front. He clashed with the enemy from the front, inspiring those around him to keep fighting and follow his example. Iron was a juggernaut on the battlefield, and few who saw him ever wrote of anything else.
Iron's death during the Reckoning, as he charged into the horde that surrounded the city, is what bought Arx its victory in that war.
Iron and Blood, now and forever.
Iron and Blood.
Written By Angelo
Jan. 9, 2017, 6:06 a.m.(8/12/1005 AR)
It has been little, the chance I have had now that I am in Arx to ponder on the different tenets linked to this new place of work I have had. So many information to process in such a little time, and yet I find myself with quill and paper to write a few lines of memories, marred with the melancholy that can come to a person recalling their childhood memories. It is my hope that by writing it here both I and him will know who I am talking about and it will draw a smile, however faint it might be. I am speaking to you, and know that I remember fondly your lessons.
The question I had was, as always trying to find the easiest clarification from which I can draw complex conclusions, what he thought were the characteristics of the perfect noble-person of House Fidante. "A bright reputation, my Lord Angelo," he replied to me, "must be the first and foremost trait. Once a noble's reputation is bruised, it takes time and work to heal it proper. Be it if he excels at arms or at wit, he must be seen as flawless, and as flawless he should seek to die, because what wound opens leaves scar, and what rumor goes out is hard to forget.
"He shouldn't limit himself to a single trade, be it quills and not arms, or arms and not quills, for he who devotes themselves to one trade and one trade only will at one point be questioned about another expected of their rank and social class, and will find themselves unable to keep the conversation. Therefore, a nobleman must know how to use the arms as well as he knows how to speak, and must know how to write as well as he might fight. And if arms he cannot take, then he must know good champions and a wealthy purse, so that he might have fitting excuse not to need such a trade in the doings of his noble day, for quarrels come and quarrels go, and as we said reputation is essential.
"He should practice a new word every day, for words excite emotions, and emotions excite decisions. It is important, then, Angelo, that you keep your studies of letters as fervently as you have -- but that you also consider the importance of knowing any and all, bits of everything, that you are prepared for everything."
"For everything?" I asked him incredulously. "How do I prepare for everything?"
The tutor replied to me: "By knowing it all. Make that your life's goal and you will become the perfect nobleman the Lyceum has produced in the era. Fail at this task, and mediocrity will be the name of your legacy. I believe, dear Angelo, that the day that you put your mind onto a goal will be the true day you will take to heart my words."
And take to heart your words I did, master.
The question I had was, as always trying to find the easiest clarification from which I can draw complex conclusions, what he thought were the characteristics of the perfect noble-person of House Fidante. "A bright reputation, my Lord Angelo," he replied to me, "must be the first and foremost trait. Once a noble's reputation is bruised, it takes time and work to heal it proper. Be it if he excels at arms or at wit, he must be seen as flawless, and as flawless he should seek to die, because what wound opens leaves scar, and what rumor goes out is hard to forget.
"He shouldn't limit himself to a single trade, be it quills and not arms, or arms and not quills, for he who devotes themselves to one trade and one trade only will at one point be questioned about another expected of their rank and social class, and will find themselves unable to keep the conversation. Therefore, a nobleman must know how to use the arms as well as he knows how to speak, and must know how to write as well as he might fight. And if arms he cannot take, then he must know good champions and a wealthy purse, so that he might have fitting excuse not to need such a trade in the doings of his noble day, for quarrels come and quarrels go, and as we said reputation is essential.
"He should practice a new word every day, for words excite emotions, and emotions excite decisions. It is important, then, Angelo, that you keep your studies of letters as fervently as you have -- but that you also consider the importance of knowing any and all, bits of everything, that you are prepared for everything."
"For everything?" I asked him incredulously. "How do I prepare for everything?"
The tutor replied to me: "By knowing it all. Make that your life's goal and you will become the perfect nobleman the Lyceum has produced in the era. Fail at this task, and mediocrity will be the name of your legacy. I believe, dear Angelo, that the day that you put your mind onto a goal will be the true day you will take to heart my words."
And take to heart your words I did, master.
Written By Aislin
Jan. 9, 2017, 4:14 a.m.(8/12/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Dawn
It's taken me some time to think how to write this. Because, truth be told, I don't think I want to wrap my head around it. I may believe this course, while abhorrent, is necessary, and I'll continue to say so... but the truth is, I still don't want to accept what's happened.
Lady Dawn has been a startling number of things in the time I've known her. A voice for a Great House, the regent of the Compact. She worked tirelessly -- as did I, as did others -- to try to gather information, to spread it. And when time ran short and information was still lacking, she did her best to make the right call.
When she acted in those roles, she always had my trust and respect.
But when I think of her? What I will always think of are moments like sitting in a kennel with puppies. Sitting in a tree together with a bottle of brandy. Watching her shamelessly spoil my falcon. Listening to her talk about how much she had wanted to be an adventurer, before life turned her to politics.
I remember how fiercely she forbade me from ever volunteering for the Teind -- after we found the truth of Addison's treachery, and I volunteered as a way to clear the family name. When she made her announcement, I was incandescent with fury at the hypocrisy. But the truth is, the anger dulls with time... and what's left is an ache.
So many little things throughout the day, where I go to send a message about something... and stop when I realize, I have no idea where it would go. Dozens of little moments when I'm reminded once again of what's happened.
Dozens of times a day when I miss my friend.
So I pray that -- what paths she finds herself now walking -- someday ours will cross again, in this lifetime or another.
I'm sure we can find another bottle, and a suitable tree.
Lady Dawn has been a startling number of things in the time I've known her. A voice for a Great House, the regent of the Compact. She worked tirelessly -- as did I, as did others -- to try to gather information, to spread it. And when time ran short and information was still lacking, she did her best to make the right call.
When she acted in those roles, she always had my trust and respect.
But when I think of her? What I will always think of are moments like sitting in a kennel with puppies. Sitting in a tree together with a bottle of brandy. Watching her shamelessly spoil my falcon. Listening to her talk about how much she had wanted to be an adventurer, before life turned her to politics.
I remember how fiercely she forbade me from ever volunteering for the Teind -- after we found the truth of Addison's treachery, and I volunteered as a way to clear the family name. When she made her announcement, I was incandescent with fury at the hypocrisy. But the truth is, the anger dulls with time... and what's left is an ache.
So many little things throughout the day, where I go to send a message about something... and stop when I realize, I have no idea where it would go. Dozens of little moments when I'm reminded once again of what's happened.
Dozens of times a day when I miss my friend.
So I pray that -- what paths she finds herself now walking -- someday ours will cross again, in this lifetime or another.
I'm sure we can find another bottle, and a suitable tree.
Written By Julea
Jan. 9, 2017, 2:20 a.m.(8/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Takruid
It's hard to believe he's really here. That it's not just me anymore. The weight of being the only one left is a heavy one, and it's not a burden I share alone now.
Written By Angelo
Jan. 9, 2017, 1:07 a.m.(8/11/1005 AR)
The birthday of Belladonna was a pleasant evening festivity, mostly crowded with pleasant individuals of fine upbringing and manners. The house-bard of the Pravus had prepared a diverting sing-a-long lyric for those in attendance, where we had to finish the last sentence. I was chosen to sing one line, and fortunately it seems it was pleasant enough for the rest. I met some interesting people that I intended to meet, and I look forward to what might come out of the new acquaintances I have acquired in the future.
Written By Angelo
Jan. 9, 2017, 12:55 a.m.(8/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Leo
The Ruling Duke who will soon marry into House Velenosa. He called me to Arx so that I could serve as the Voice of the Compact.
Written By Lou
Jan. 9, 2017, 12:06 a.m.(8/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Aislin
Lady Aislin seems to be like a kindred spirit. We both love to discover the unknown. She is also the leader of the Explorer's guild! I have so much respect for her. I look forward to discover where our friendship will take us in the future.
Written By Khanne
Jan. 8, 2017, 11:58 p.m.(8/11/1005 AR)
The Alpha Strays are forming a plan. It involves brunch, and possibly rain.... not to mention maybe some digging in the dirt. This could get interesting....
Written By Derovai
Jan. 8, 2017, 11:57 p.m.(8/11/1005 AR)
I'm glad to be back in Arx. So many things are happening. I'm going to be blissfully busy for some time yet, it would seem. If you read this and have anything at all interesting to say, I would be delighted to hear you say it in person. Find me.
Written By Nadia
Jan. 8, 2017, 11:49 p.m.(8/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Arik
The Sword of Halfshav, and another Northerner that I share a special bond with. He's one of the most well-spoken and intelligent men I have ever encountered, yet he... doesn't bother to show the world that. I suppose it's because he has nothing to prove to anyone with words, but only his blade. Fortunately, that is a language I know very well. There isn't anyone better I can think of to have on your side in the middle of the city going insane.
Written By Tristan
Jan. 8, 2017, 11:46 p.m.(8/11/1005 AR)
I spent half the night sitting up with Kestrel, the Lady Dawn's mare.
She stall walked half the night. It had been a long time since her mistress had time to ride her, despite my threats of abduction and forced riding time, but she knew something was wrong.
Horses always do.
She stall walked half the night. It had been a long time since her mistress had time to ride her, despite my threats of abduction and forced riding time, but she knew something was wrong.
Horses always do.
Written By Nadia
Jan. 8, 2017, 11:38 p.m.(8/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Edain
Prince Edain and I have come a long way since the days of the Redrain Reception. He's been the most kind-hearted, trustworthy soul I know. There aren't many other men who are so mild-mannered and incredibly polite, even when they're offering critical commentary on things that absolutely make no sense. He's honorific, and not afraid to stand up for what he cherishes and believes in. I'm proud to call him my good friend, as well as Alis.
Written By Nadia
Jan. 8, 2017, 11:35 p.m.(8/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Ansel
Lord Ansel is a good man, one who didn't hesitate to accept an invitation to come together over lunch and get to know each other for the good of our Houses. He's smart, intelligent, and incredibly insightful.
Written By Garza
Jan. 8, 2017, 11:30 p.m.(8/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Bianca
So she's a scholar and apparently researches things so that lazy asses can then put her information to use.
I wonder what it would be like to work for a lazy ass.
I wonder what it would be like to work for a lazy ass.
Written By Bethany
Jan. 8, 2017, 11:29 p.m.(8/11/1005 AR)
[ From the desk of B. Mercier, Information Analyst: ]
That is an awkward mouthful, yes. I might settle with Researcher.
It is truly a surreal experience when someone - someone of rather daunting status, yet, still maintaining a personable warmth and an air of mystery asks what you want to do -
And your thoughts fail you.
Within the same breath, you finally take the first step forward to become a Scholar.
With new questions to consider.
That is an awkward mouthful, yes. I might settle with Researcher.
It is truly a surreal experience when someone - someone of rather daunting status, yet, still maintaining a personable warmth and an air of mystery asks what you want to do -
And your thoughts fail you.
Within the same breath, you finally take the first step forward to become a Scholar.
With new questions to consider.
Written By Calista
Jan. 8, 2017, 11:29 p.m.(8/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Niccolo
My future in-law? Well isn't this a curious turn of events.
Written By Calista
Jan. 8, 2017, 11:28 p.m.(8/11/1005 AR)
It has been a while since I last visited. I know it is my fault for allowing situations and hurt feelings come between our friendship. Know that you have always been on my mind and will continue to be on my mind.
We sit in your favorite spot to let the warmth of the sun bathe our bodies but we sit in silence for the most part. I wonder if you hear the things I say to you, the things I share with you; recent news and updates. Do you hear me when I tell you about -her- and the odd circumstances about her? It's not your fault.
I remember the last conversation we had. You said you'd come back to me. I admit I've gone through the highs and lows of grief, thinking if I say goodbye I can move on. But you became a friend when I needed one.
I no longer say goodbye to you. I am still here to be your friend when you need one, whether or not you can see me, hear me, or feel me. I am here for you.
We sit in your favorite spot to let the warmth of the sun bathe our bodies but we sit in silence for the most part. I wonder if you hear the things I say to you, the things I share with you; recent news and updates. Do you hear me when I tell you about -her- and the odd circumstances about her? It's not your fault.
I remember the last conversation we had. You said you'd come back to me. I admit I've gone through the highs and lows of grief, thinking if I say goodbye I can move on. But you became a friend when I needed one.
I no longer say goodbye to you. I am still here to be your friend when you need one, whether or not you can see me, hear me, or feel me. I am here for you.
Written By Eirene
Jan. 8, 2017, 11:27 p.m.(8/11/1005 AR)
I need to invent new curse words to encompass the ever-increasing level of horrific shit that I am learning about. Sometimes 'fuck' isn't strong enough.
As my poor nephew today found out, there's shit coming out of every angle. What word could I invent to describe the mixture of rage, terror, and frustration I feel on a daily basis?
Ferrage.
Sounds too much like marriage.
Maybe that is a good curse word.
As my poor nephew today found out, there's shit coming out of every angle. What word could I invent to describe the mixture of rage, terror, and frustration I feel on a daily basis?
Ferrage.
Sounds too much like marriage.
Maybe that is a good curse word.
Written By Niccolo
Jan. 8, 2017, 11:21 p.m.(8/11/1005 AR)
Relationship Note on Leo
What is there to see of Duke Fidante? He will be joining the family soon, chosen as husband by my daughter. He is, by all accounts a good man. An honorable man.
But I'm still a father, and that is still my daughter he's marrying her.
I hope he does well by her.
But I'm still a father, and that is still my daughter he's marrying her.
I hope he does well by her.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.